Rochester Knighthawks

2018 record: 10-8 (second in the East)

Playoff finish: Lost in NLL Cup

Coach: Mike Hasen (ninth season)

Key returners: Graeme Hossack, D; Joe Resetarits, F; Cody Jamieson, F

Key additions: Pat Saunders, F

Key losses: Matt Vinc, G

Outlook

Rochester came so close to bringing a sixth championship to the city and a fourth title in seven years. Now, this group only has one more year to try and accomplish that feat before the franchise is moved to Halifax and replaced in Rochester by a Pegula-owned expansion team.

While the Knighthawks were disappointed after a 2-1 NLL Cup series loss to Saskatchewan, there is certainly optimism around this team with all the young talent they’ve collected. While the loss of Matt Vinc hurts Rochester’s case as the favorite this year, its multiple top-tier players in their mid- to early 20s have the team’s future looking incredibly bright as it transitions to the Atlantic.

Storylines to Watch

1. How does Rochester fare without two key pieces?

The Knighthawks will look quite different on the defensive end to start the year, as they are now without reigning goalie of the year Matt Vinc, who signed with Buffalo as a free agent, and captain Sid Smith, who is starting the season on injured reserve.

Angus Goodleaf, who posted an 11.38 goals against average and .798 save percentage last season, appears to be the replacement in net. He’s never been a starter in the league, serving as a backup with the Bandits and Knighthawks.

2. Can Joe Resetarits repeat his breakout season?

Resetarits, in his sixth year in the league and on his third team, blew out his previous career numbers in 2018. He improved on his previous career high for goals by 10, assists by 24 and points by 34. His 100-point total set a record for most by an American in the NLL.

3. What will the reception be for the lame duck 'Hawks?

The future of this franchise is a foregone conclusion, making its final year in Rochester a tad awkward. Fans in the city aren’t losing a franchise at the end of the year, but they are losing their NLL Cup-caliber squad and starting from scratch. Will that mean a low turnout as fans try to spite owner Curt Styres or an increase in attendance for fans who want to get one last look at this impressive bunch?

Player to Watch

Jake Withers

Topped the league in faceoff wins as a rookie. The 2018 Rookie of the Year was also top three in the league among defensemen in loose balls and top ten among defensemen in scoring.

MVP Candidate

Graeme Hossack

Appears to be at the start of a Kyle Rubisch-level run of being the league’s top defenseman.

Verdict

I had Rochester as the top team in the East Division in my projections pre-Vinc’s departure. With such a big change at an important position, the Knighthawks are difficult to project. The season largely rests on how well Goodleaf can play.